Remotely actuated release apparatus for ski bindings

ABSTRACT

The remotely actuated release apparatus for ski bindings comprises a signal transmitter housed in a ski pole which is actuated by the skier to transmit a signal which is intercepted by receivers supported on the skis. The receivers are operatively connected to release the bindings by shifting part of the bindings relative to the boots through a mechanical linkage. In one embodiment, a radio frequency signal is provided and in a second embodiment, an audio (sonic) signal is provided. The release apparatus gives the skier the option of releasing the bindings in addition to the usual force release function built into the bindings.

United States Patent [191 Camp REMOTELY ACTUATED RELEASE APPARATUS FOR SKI BINDINGS Jerome A. Camp, 7287 S. Chase Way, Littleton, Colo. 80123 Filed: June 25, 1971 App1.No.: 156,689

Inventor:

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1971 Kortman 343/225 X Jan. 22, 1974 Primary Examiner--Haro1d l. Pitts Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Phillip L. De Arment [5 7] ABSTRACT The remotely actuated release apparatus for ski bind ings comprises a signal transmitter housed in a ski pole which is actuated by the skier to transmit a signal which is intercepted by receivers supported on the skis. The receivers are operatively connected to release the bindings by shifting part of the bindings relative to the boots through a mechanical linkage. in one embodiment, a radio frequency signal is provided and in a second embodiment, an audio (sonic) signal is provided. The release apparatus gives the skier the option of releasing the bindings in addition to the usual force release function built into the bindings.

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AMPLIFIER MODULATOR OSCILLATOR |O6 AUDIO R F OSCILLATOR 96 FIG. IO

7 N ENTQ POWER SUPPLY PAIEIIII'II 2 $387,868

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INVENTCDR JEROME A. CAMP BY m/wk.

ATTORNEY 1 I REMOTELY ACTUATED RELEASE APPARATUS FOR SKI BINDINGS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently marketed ski release devices maintain the binding between a skiers ski and boot until forces applied through the ski and boot to the legs and ankles exceed safe levels. When excessive forces are encountered, the bindings release the boots from the skis to prevent injury during falls.

Attempts have been made in the design of most ski release bindings to achieve proper release behavior by constructing the bindings so that release occurs due to forces applied in either a plane parallel to the broad surface of the ski and directed perpendicularly to the length of the ski, or in a direction normal to and directed away from the upper surface of the ski. The first of these includes those forces exerted, for instance, by a twisting motion of the body with respect to the skis. The second includes those exerted by a person leaning forward on the skis. While most ski bindings fall into this category, there are some bindings which are designed to release due to forces applied in directions in addition to those just described. These forces include those due to a rolling motion of the foot with respect to the ski, an upward force at the toe, etc.

However, no binding releases uniformly well in all directions, and even if one did, it would still not overcome the major problems associated with all currently available bindings. This problem is that the decision to release or not release is made by the ski release mechanism, and is therefore a function of many variables. Namely, these are the amounts, directions, and types of forces to which the release mechanism is subjected. Thus, the decision-making process is analog in nature since it is a function of continuous variables.

The main difficulty in the design of the force release bindings stems from not being able to accurately determine the appropriate force required to effect a release. Nearly all release mechanisms have some scheme for adjusting the tension on one or more springs which controls the force required for a release. The tension in one spring normally controls the release magnitude of forces applied in several different directions and thus the magnitude of forces cannot be selected independently. Compounding the problem is the fact that the human skeleton can withstand more force in certain directions than in others.

Thus the problem of obtaining the right balance between proper binding and protection from injury is difficult to solve successfully by merely redesigning the existing force release bindings. The solution to this dilemma appears to be a ski release device that employs a decision-making process that is digital, binary, and

not a function of anything but a complete assessment of all the circumstances surrounding the immediate situation. The only practical decision-marking device that approaches satisfying this criterion is the skier himself.

The difficulty encountered in a scheme of this nature is relaying the decision to the release mechanism. The prior art has addressed itself to solving the problem in the patent to P. S. Chisholm US. Pat. No. 3,246,907. Chisholm proposes magnetic ski bindings which are released by the skier actuating a switch on the ski pole. However, the signal is transmitted to the bindings through electrical conductor wires which run from the ski pole through clothing and boots to the bindings. Hence the ski boots, skier and ski poles are physically connected which is undesirable from the standpoint of the cost, convenience, comfort, safety and reliability of maintaining the signal communication system operating. Moreover, since Chisholm replaces force actuated bindings with magnetic bindings, any failure in the magnet actuating system creates a potentially hazardous situation to the skier.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a safer release mechanism for ski bindings which overcomes the undesirable features of the prior art and which mechanism is a simple, convenient and reliable modification of force release bindings which provides the skier with the option of releasing his bindings when desired while retaining the benefits afforded by the customary force release bindings.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved remotely actuated safety release apparatus for ski bindings which operates independent of forces imposes on the skier and with a minimum of apparatus and includes a signal link initiated by the skier to release the bindings.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a signal link for releasing ski bindings that includes an actuating switch on a ski pole to provide easy accessibility for the skier.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a remotely actuated release mechanism which includes in one embodiment a radio frequency transmitter and receiver to effect release of the mechanism and in a second embodiment, an audio (sonic) transmitter and receiver to effect release of the mechanism.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a remotely operated release mechanism and more specifically to a remotely operated safety release apparatus for ski bindings which permits the skier to release his bindings at anytime by merely actuating a conveniently located switch. The switch is part of a transmitter preferably housed in the ski pole and which transmits a signal to receivers mechanically connected to force actuated bindings. The usual force actuated binding generally classified as step-in bindings or cable bindings must be modified to permit the mechanical linkage to release the bindings upon receipt of the signal initiated by the skier. The present invention also provides means for rendering the skier-initiated release system inoperative.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the two widely used type of safety ski bindings, i.e., step-in and cable bindings. However, it will become apparent that the invention has application to practically all types of releasable ski bindings from the following specification made in conjunction with the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of part of a toe release safety ski binding according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken approximately line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 4-4of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the upper part of a ski pole housing the transmitter according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of part of a cable release safety ski binding according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken approximately along line 99 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit of the radio frequency transmitter according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit of the radio frequency receiver according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit of the audio (sonic) transmitter according to the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit of the audio receiver according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-5 which discloses a remotely actuated release apparatus 10 according to the present invention embodied to release a toe release binding 12 mounted on ski 14. Only the pertinent part of the binding and ski is illustrated in the drawings to conserve space but it should be appreciated that parts not illustrated are conventional and do not contribute to understanding the invention and that the second ski would be a duplicate of the ski illustrated.

The customarily designated step-in safety release binding is represented by binding 12 and comprises a toe piece 16 which snugly engages the toe of boot 18 immediately above the protruding sole 20. The toe of the boot 18 is normally positioned as illustrated in FIG. 1 and pressure is exerted on the heel of the boot which is positioned in a cooperating step-in releasable heel fixture (not shown) which secures the boot 18 to binding 12. The boot 18 is released from binding 12 when a predetermined force is exerted on toe piece 16 or the heel fixture (not shown) which causes, for example, the toe piece 16 to pivot relative to the ski thereby releasing boot 18. Of course, the heel fixture likewise releases in response to a predetermined force.

The release mechanism 10 does not interfere with this normal force release function of binding 12 but rather permits the skier to release binding 12 when he deems it appropriate. A skier will encounter circumstances where he realizes that he is in trouble, such as an inevitable fall, and should release his binding before the release forces are imposed on the binding. In such circumstances, it is advantageous for the skier to get rid of his skis as soon as possible to minimize injury. This option is provided by the present invention.

The release mechanism 10 includes means 22 (FIGS. 5 and 10) for generating and transmitting a radio frequency signal which is intercepted by receiver means 24. Means 24 receives and processes the signal and initiates operation of a mechanical linkage means 26 that shifts or translates toe piece 16 away from the toe of boot 18 releasing the boot from binding 12.

Linkage means 26 includes a shiftable mounting platform 28 to which toe piece 16 is secured by bolts 30. Platform 28 slides on ways 32 (FIG. 4) bolted to the upper surface of ski 14. The platform 28 is guided along ways 32 by a depending, inverted T-shape shoe 34 which slides against complimentary inner surfaces of ways 32.

Platform 28 is moved along ways 32 by an adjustable rod 36 connected at one end to the forward end of platform 28 and at the other end to an unlatching means 38 (FIG. 3) located in a housing 40. Rod 36 is shifted downward as viewed in FIG. 1 to set toe piece 16 in position to receive boot 18 by a channel-shaped lever 42 pivoted at one end to ski 14. Lever 42 is connected to rod 36 by a pair of links 44 pivotally connected to lever 42 at one of their ends and to a spring abutment 46 slidably mounted on rod 36 at their other ends. Slidable abutment 46 is connected to spring abutment 48 fixed to rod 36 through coil spring 50 which surrounds rod 36 and is fixed at its ends to abutments 46 and 48.

Thus pivoting lever 42, clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1, shifts rod 36 downward to position toe piece 16 in the position illustrated in FIG. 1. This movement stops when rod 36 is latched by latching means 38. Lever 42 is then pivoted counter-clockwise until it rests against the upper surface of ski l4 and covers links 44, abutments 46 and 48, and spring 50 to protect them from ice and snow. Such movement of lever 42 also compresses spring 50 against fixed abutment 48 which biases rod 36 to the left.

The upper end of rod 36 is disposed in housing where it is latched and unlocked by a keeper 52 of latching means 38 which engages and disengages a recess 54in the rod 36. Keeper 52 extends from a pivoted keeper bar 56 which is held in latching engagement with rod 36 by a latch bar 58. Latch bar 58 is pivoted intermediate its ends and has a recess 60 to receive the free end of keeper bar 56 and prevent keeper bar 56 from pivoting away from laterally fixed rod 36.

Latch means 38 in the condition illustrated in FIG. 3 prevents rod 36 from shifting axially upwardly thereby maintaining toe piece 16 in binding engagement with boot 18. When the skier initiates a signal to release the bindings, it is intercepted by receiver means 24 which energizes a solenoid 62 connected to latch bar 58. Solenoid 62 pivots latch bar 58 counter-clockwise releasing the end of keeper bar 56. Keeper bar 56 is pivoted away from rod 36 by the bias of spring 50 on rod 36 causing keeper 52 to disengage recess 54 on rod 36. Rod 36 is then free to shift axially upwardly releasing binding 12.

After a momentary delay, power is terminated to solenoid 62 and latching bar 58 and keeper bar 56 are biased by springs 64 and 66, respectively, toward their latching positions. When lever 42 is pivoted clockwise as described previously the recess 54 in rod 36 moves downwardly until keeper 52 drops therein which latches the rod 36.

The solenoid 62 is actuated by receiving means 24. Receiving means 24 is housed in the upper portion of housing 40 as shown in FIG. 2 and is separated from the latching means 38 by platform 70. Attention is directed to FIG. 11 for a description of the operation of receiving means 24. Receiving means 24 includes a signal receiver means 72 which receives a signal from the transmitter 22 and directs the signal which comprises a carrier and imposed signal to a radio frequency amplifier and filter 74 which filters and amplifies the incoming signal. The carrier portion of the signal is then removed by a demodulator 76 so that only the audio portion is left. The audio portion of the signal is again filtered by filter 78 and rectified by rectifier 80 to obtain an appropriate signal to operate a power switch 82. Power switch 82 is in a circuit between a power supply 84 comprising batteries, and solenoid 62. When the power switch 82 is actuated, it assumes a closed state to thereby complete a circuit between the batteries 84 and the solenoid 62.

After a predetermined lapse of time, the power switch automatically assumes an open state thereby terminating power to the solenoid. Also included in the power circuit is a manually actuated switch 86 which can be opened to prevent actuation of the solenoid for example during non-use of the skis.

The elements of the receiver circuit means 24 such as elements 74, 76, 78, 80 and 82 are well-known along with solid state power switch 82 and are commercially available. Hence, no further description of their construction or operation is deemed necessary.

The radio frequency signal initiated by the skier to effect release of the binding is generated by transmitter means 22 which is partially shown mounted in one ski pole in FIG. 5 and the electrical functional circuit is shown in FIG. to which attention is directed. Receiver means 22 includes a power supply 90 comprising batteries connected to a signal generator and transmission circuit means 92 which generates and directs the signal to a transmitter 94. A manually actuated switch 96 initiates generation and transmission of the signal.

Switch 96 includes a switch actuator portion 98 (FIG. 5) which protrudes from one of the finger grips 99 of grip 100 of ski pole 102. When switch actuator portion 98 is protruding from the grip 99 as shown in FIG. 5, switch 96 is in its closed position. Hence, when the skier is skiing and grips grip 100 and specifically has his forefinger gripping finger grip 99, the switch actuator 98 is moved and held inward of the FIG. 5 position which functions to maintain the switch 96 open as shown in FIG. 10. When the skier desires to release his binding, he merely releases his finger from finger grip 99 and spring biased switch actuator portion 98 moves out to the position shown in FIG. 5 which closes switch 96 thereby completing a circuit to the signal generation and transmission circuit means 92.

When power is directed to circuit means 92, a radio frequency carrier is first generated by the oscillator 104. The carrier signal is then modulated by an audio signal generated by the audio oscillator 106 at modulator 108. The audio and carrier signal is then amplified by amplifier 110 and directed to transmitting means or antenna 94 which transmits the signal which is picked up by signal receiving means 72.

At various times such as at the end of a run or during non-use, the skier may want to render the transmitter 22 inoperative and this is accomplished by a latching switch 112. Latching switch 112 is manually actuated and can be moved into an open or closed position by the skier depressing a latching switch actuator 114 (FIG. 5) which is located in one of the ski poles. When the skier is ready to commence a run, he merely moves the switch actuator 114 to close latching switch 112 which arms the receiver for operation when actuator 98 is released by the skier. The switch actuator 114 may have associated herewith a light or other means to indicate to the skier the position of the latching switch 1 12.

Transmitter means 22 like receiver means 24 is made up of standard commercially available components that need no further explanation.

To minimize the possibility of one skiers transmitter releasing another skiers binding where both skiers are using the present invention, the radio frequency transmitter is designed to transmit a very short distance, such as a few feet, to thereby provide a spatial separation between skiers. In addition, the transmitter and receiver can be designed to transmit and receive a particular, specific frequency and numerous frequencies would be employed for different mechanisms. Further, the transmitter and receiver can also be designed to employ different modulating frequencies. Thus, it would be difficult with this combination for one skiers signal to release another skiers binding.

The specification has thus far described the remote actuator as incorporating a radio link, however, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that other types of wireless, remote actuators are within the purview of the present invention. For example, an audio link or actuator can be employed to issue an audio signal in the sonic range to effect release of the bindings. Such a system would be physically incorporated into the equipment just like the radio link and a function circuit diagram therefor is disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13 to which attention is directed.

In FIG. 12, an audio transmitter 115 is disclosed which would be physically incorporated into the ski pole 102. The audio transmitter includes a power supply 117 comprising appropriate size batteries in circuit with an audio oscillator 1 19 and speaker 121. The skier initiates generation of an audio signal by first arming the circuit by closing latching switch 1 12 so that release of the actuator portion 98 causes switch 96 to close thereby directing power to the audio oscillator 119. The audio signal is generated by the audio oscillator 119 and is transmitted by the speaker 121.A generated audio (sonic) signal is picked up by the audio receiver 123 located on the skis 14 in the same physical arrangement as receiver 24 for the radio link. The audio receiver 123 includes a microphone 125 which picks up the audio signal from speaker 121 and directs the signal to audio amplifier and filter 127. The audio amplifier and filter 127 amplifies the audio signal and filters out all unwanted frequencies and directs the desired frequencies to a detector 129. The signal is rectified by detector 129 to obtain an appropriate signal to operate a power switch 82. When power switch 82 assumes a closes position as a result of receiving a signal from detector 129, a circuit is completed from power supply 131 which includes appropriate batteries to solenoid 62. Power supply 131 also supplies operating power for the amplifier 127 and detector 129. Actuation of solenoid 62 causes the bindings to open in the same manner as described in combination with the radio signal frequency system just previously described.

The specification thus far describes the application of the present invention to the modern step-in release bindings. However the invention has application by slight modification to release other types of bindings such as the older cable binding which is still in use. This application to the cable bindings is illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9 of the drawings. In describing the cable release binding application, the same reference numerals will be applied to the parts common to the step-in toe and heel release binding description previously made, but with the addition of a prime The standard cable release bindings illustrated include a cable loop 122 which extends around the heel of the boot 18' and is connected to yoke 124 where a single cable 126 extends to a pivoting latching lever 128. The cable binding is actuated by moving the foot until the toe abuts a fixed abutment 130 and the cable loop 122 is positioned about the heel of boot 18'. Latch lever 128 is then pivoted counter-clockwise as viewed in FIG. 6 to draw the cable tightly around the heel of boot 18 thereby securing the boot 18' to the ski 14'.

Associated with latch lever 128 is a spring device 130 which in this embodiment performs the function of maintaining a predetermined tension on cable 126 and exerts pressure on rod 36 in the same manner as does spring 50 of the FIG. 1 embodiment. The biased rod 36 is latched by latch mechanism 38' which operates in the same manner as latch means 38 to secure the platform 28 against movement until the skier initiates the signal through transmitter means 24.

When the skier initiates generation and transmission of a radio frequency or audio signal the solenoid 62 is actuated to release rod 36' which shifts platform 28 downward as viewed in FIG. 6 which slackens cable 122 and thereby permits the boot 18' to be released from ski l4.

It should be apparent that applicant has disclosed an operable and practical safety ski binding release apparatus which modifies force release bindings to permit a skier to release the bindings at will while retaining the force release capabilities of present bindings.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A remotely actuated release apparatus for ski bindings comprising first means operatively connected to a ski binding for effecting release of the binding including signal receiving means for receiving a signal which initiates release of the binding and second means disposed for actuation by a skier for generating and broadcasting said signal to said receiving means.

2. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first means includes linkage means mechanically connected to shift a ski boot engaging portion of the ski binding upon receipt of said signal.

3. The release apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said linkage means includes a moveable support for a toe release binding.

4. The release apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said linkage means includes a moveable support for a cable control lever of cable bindings.

5. The release apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said linkage means further includes a power actuated latching bar pivoted for movement to release for movement a spring bias rod operatively connected to the ski boot engaging portion of the ski binding.

6. The release apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said linkage means further includes a solenoid operatively connected to said latching bar and said first means further includes receiver circuit means for actuatin g said solenoid including said signal receiver means, signal processings means for processing said signal from said receiver means, a power supply, and switching means operable upon receipt of said signal from said processing means to electrically connected said power supply to said solenoid.

7. The release apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said receiver circuit means further includes a manually actuated switch operable when open to break the circuit between said power supply and said solenoid.

8. The release apparatus as defined in .claim 1, wherein said second means is disposed in a ski pole and includes a first manually actuated switch located for convenient actuation by the skier and operable when actuated to initiate generation and broadcasting of said signal.

9. The release apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said first manually actuated switch includes an actuator portion that is spring protruded from the grip of the pole so that the skier when gripping the grip moves said actuator portion into the pole opening said switch.

10. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second means includes a power supply, transmitting circuit means for generating, processing and transmitting said signal and manually actuated switch means for electrically connecting said power supply with said transmitting circuit means.

11. The release apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said manually actuated switch means includes a first manually actuated switch having an actuator portion spring protruded from a grip on a ski pole so that the act of a skiers hand gripping the grip moves the actuator portion into the pole thus opening said first man ually actuated switch and release of the grip permits the actuator portion to protrude thus closing said first manually actuated switch.

12. The release apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said manually actuated switch means further includes a second manually actuated switch having an activator portion protruding from another part of the ski pole less convenient to the skiers hand than said first manually actuated switch and moveable from a closed position in which said second manually actuated switch is closed thus arming said transmitting circuit means for operation when said first manually actuated switch is closed to an open position which prevents operation of said transmitting circuit means.

13. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal receiving means includes means for receiving a radio frequency signal and said second means includes means for generating and transmitting a radio frequency signal.

14. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal receiving means includes means for receiving an audio signal and said second means includes means for generating and transmitting an audio signal.

15. A release apparatus for safety ski bindings comprising in combination with a force release safety ski bindings first means operatively connected to portions of said bindings and operable to shift said portions relative to the skis, and second means actuatable by a skier to effect operation of said first means independent of the force release operation of said bindings including means for remotely transmitting and receiving a signal.

16. A release apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said second means includes means for transmitting and receiving a radio frequency signal.

17. A release apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said second means includes means for transmitting and receiving an audio signal.

18. A release apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said means for remotely actuating transmitting and receiving a signal includes a switch actuator on a ski pole. 

1. A remotely actuated release apparatus for ski bindings comprising first means operatively connected to a ski binding for effecting release of the binding including signal receiving means for receiving a signal which initiates release of the binding and second means disposed for actuation by a skier for generating and broadcasting said signal to said receiving means.
 2. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first means includes linkage means mechanically connected to shift a ski boot engaging portion of the ski binding upon receipt of said signal.
 3. The release apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said linkage means includes a moveable support for a toe release binding.
 4. The release apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said linkage means includes a moveable support foR a cable control lever of cable bindings.
 5. The release apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said linkage means further includes a power actuated latching bar pivoted for movement to release for movement a spring bias rod operatively connected to the ski boot engaging portion of the ski binding.
 6. The release apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said linkage means further includes a solenoid operatively connected to said latching bar and said first means further includes receiver circuit means for actuating said solenoid including said signal receiver means, signal processings means for processing said signal from said receiver means, a power supply, and switching means operable upon receipt of said signal from said processing means to electrically connected said power supply to said solenoid.
 7. The release apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said receiver circuit means further includes a manually actuated switch operable when open to break the circuit between said power supply and said solenoid.
 8. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second means is disposed in a ski pole and includes a first manually actuated switch located for convenient actuation by the skier and operable when actuated to initiate generation and broadcasting of said signal.
 9. The release apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said first manually actuated switch includes an actuator portion that is spring protruded from the grip of the pole so that the skier when gripping the grip moves said actuator portion into the pole opening said switch.
 10. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second means includes a power supply, transmitting circuit means for generating, processing and transmitting said signal and manually actuated switch means for electrically connecting said power supply with said transmitting circuit means.
 11. The release apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said manually actuated switch means includes a first manually actuated switch having an actuator portion spring protruded from a grip on a ski pole so that the act of a skier''s hand gripping the grip moves the actuator portion into the pole thus opening said first manually actuated switch and release of the grip permits the actuator portion to protrude thus closing said first manually actuated switch.
 12. The release apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said manually actuated switch means further includes a second manually actuated switch having an activator portion protruding from another part of the ski pole less convenient to the skier''s hand than said first manually actuated switch and moveable from a closed position in which said second manually actuated switch is closed thus arming said transmitting circuit means for operation when said first manually actuated switch is closed to an open position which prevents operation of said transmitting circuit means.
 13. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal receiving means includes means for receiving a radio frequency signal and said second means includes means for generating and transmitting a radio frequency signal.
 14. The release apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal receiving means includes means for receiving an audio signal and said second means includes means for generating and transmitting an audio signal.
 15. A release apparatus for safety ski bindings comprising in combination with a force release safety ski bindings first means operatively connected to portions of said bindings and operable to shift said portions relative to the skis, and second means actuatable by a skier to effect operation of said first means independent of the force release operation of said bindings including means for remotely transmitting and receiving a signal.
 16. A release apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said second means includes means for transmitting and receiving a radio frequency signal.
 17. A release apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said second means includes means for transmitting and receiving an audio signal.
 18. A release apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said means for remotely actuating transmitting and receiving a signal includes a switch actuator on a ski pole. 